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Go to Introduction to Project Based Learning course page
Intent of Project
The intent of this project is to introduce teachers to the concept of Project Based Learning in such a way that they are motivated to try it and feel confident that they know where to find the resources they need for support. This course will not cover the nuts-and-bolts of creating a project but will serve as an introduction to the concept.
Topics that will be covered:
- What does Project Based Learning look like?
- Why is it an effective method of instruction?
- What are the considerations that go in to defining a project?
- Where can a teacher go for examples and resources?
Needs Analysis
The idea for this project came from my conversations with teachers in my district who had heard that project-based learning was being tried in the High School. Their reactions led me to think that there was a need to clarify exactly what Project-Based Learning; particularly since many of them thought that their authentic assessments were the same thing as project-based learning. This initial impression was confirmed by an online survey. (See notes)
Performance Objectives
- The learner will understand what PBL is and is not
- Defined concept: Being able to classify an object or event by a definition that expresses the relationships among the concept's attributes and its functions (Verbs: Identify/Naming)
- The learner will understand why PBL is an effective learning tool
- Verbal information: Being able to recall information in a variety of forms. (Verbs: State/Orally)
- The learner will be able to recognize a rigorous, standards-based project
- Defined concept: Being able to classify an object or event by a definition that expresses the relationships among the concept's attributes and its functions (Verbs: Identify/Naming)
- The learner will know the components of a PBL project
- The learner will understand the role of 21st century skills in the project
- The learner will know where to find resources to assist them in the design of a project
- The learner will choose to learn more about PBL as evidenced by enrollment in additional training
- Attitudes: Choosing desired behavior (Verbs: Chooses/Evidenced)
Task Analysis
Curriculum Map
Resources and References
What is PBL?
- Buck Institute
- PBL Online
- Edutopia PBL Intro
- Introductory Videos
- A Similar Course
- PBL Online, an interactive site
- ThinkQuest - Online tool to aid project learning
- Autodesk Foundation PBL definition & links
Research as to Effectiveness
- Relevant readings from ETAP 623
- American Psychological Association. (1997). Learner-Centered Psychological Principles: A Framework for School Reform & Redesign. American Psychological Association Presidential Task Force. Washington, DC.
- Perkins, D., & Blythe, T. (1994). Putting understanding up front. Educational Leadership, 51 (5), 4-7
- Bielaczyc & Collins. (1999). Learning Communities in Classrooms.
- Song, Hae-Deok. (2005) Motivating Ill-Structured Problem Solving in a Web-based Peer-Group Learning Environment: A Learning-Goal Perspective. Journal of Educational Computing Research.
- Shambaugh, R. Neal, & Magliaro, Susan G.(1997) Mastering the Possibilities: A Process Approach to Instructional Design. Allyn and Bacon. Boston.
- Krajcik, J., & Blemenfeld, P. (2006). Project-based learning. In K. Sawyer (Eds.), Cambridge handbook of the learning sciences (pp 317-334). New York: Cambridge University Press.
